Road trip, Day 4 – and some Avs medical updates

These Travelbogs are tiring. Take pictures, send them to email, save them to a file, copy them into another file, write captions, try to make them sound remotely interesting. But I hope I provided a little glimpse into the life of a traveling sports writer anyway. This two-game trip had a first for me in 15 years of doing this, a diversion to a different destination city because of a medical emergency to a passenger.

I also saw a bizarre chase in a parking lot between two guys last night in San Jose. Walking to the game, two gentlemen who may have been slightly intoxicated were in a dispute. One guy took the other’s duffel bag and spilled its contents onto the pavement. The guy with the duffel bag’s gutted contents started chasing the other around the parking lot, screaming “Give me back my car!” I would have thought he’d been yelling about the duffel bag stunt, but he wanted his car back apparently.
Meanwhile, the guy who dumped the duffel back ran from the other, at one point crouching low behind a car in a game of hide-and-seek. He wound up fooling the other guy with this act, and a few seconds later taunted him from across the parking lot. “I’m over here,” he barked.

You had to be there I guess.

Today was a “Travel back home” day. Pretty unexciting. A 2:20 p.m. flight from San Jose to Denver. I could have gotten up at 4 a.m. and gone standby on the 6 a.m. flight out, and used to do that stuff a lot. But not much anymore. Sleep, I’ve found, is a precious commodity. As some of you know, a few years ago I got my body clock completely, totally messed up from – I believe – too many early wake-up calls and two-hours-of-sleep nights on the road, and developed a severe case of insomnia. Four straight nights without sleep at one point, one of the most miserable times of my life and really quite dangerous to one’s health.

That’s when ambien came into my life. It’s helped me sleep a whole lot better ever since. I try to wean myself off it, but it’s still a part of my life. The way I figure it, not getting sleep is unhealthier than taking it.

The late flight meant a nice, late wakeup time of 11 a.m., after dozing off at about 1. No, I don’t usually sleep that late, but I hate getting up real early too. About 8 is good for me, if I can get to sleep by midnight.

The flight itself was uneventful, just the way I like them. A little bit of “chop” coming over the mountains as usual, but nothing too bad. As I said previously, I can be a nervous flyer, but sometimes I’m strangely OK even when the plane starts rocking around a little bit. For guys like me, sometimes the waiting around for turbulence is more stressful than the actual turbulence itself. I’ll sometimes feel like “OK, it’s finally happening, it’ll be over and done with in a few.” So when it starts happening, sometimes I’m a little relieved in a way. And other times I’m a nervous, pathetic wreck.
Had my usual aisle seat, and thankfully neither of my two row-mates had to get up and go to the bathroom.
One thing I’ve definitely noticed over the years from flying a lot: Almost nobody talks to each other on a plane anymore. There are just too many other options for entertainment now. Everybody either has a book, or has a laptop open, or a portable DVD player going, or their headphones on listening to music. Conversation with other human beings isn’t necessary anymore. It’s sad, but I’m just as guilty as anyone. I put on my big Bose headphones almost as soon as the wheels go up, and usually have my nose buried in a paper or magazine.

Anyway, here are some images from today, and a couple other leftover ones I didn’t put up before.

Coffee spot in San Jose, Trieste. Casual, hip, relaxing.

The walk down the jetbridge to the plane home. As usual, early boarding privileges mean no lines to wait in.

Putting the luggage in the car back at DIA for the car ride home. Always a relieving feeling.

Leftover pics:

The hotel room in San Jose. Room 306 of the downtown Marriott.

The hotel lobby:

Two of my personal heroes: The Marriotts, father and son. This picture is in the lobby of every hotel in the chain, from the snootiest to the most economical. Honestly, I think Marriott is one of the best companies in the whole world. I’ve NEVER had a big problem with them at any level, in 15 years of constant travel. Everything is always consistently pleasant and well done. Not that I’ve never had many other problems with other hotels either, and I’m not trying to give free advertising here. But Bill Marriott (the son and currrent CEO) is the MAN.

The view coming into San Jose Sunday morning:

A Star Trek convention at a museum next to the hotel. Lots of geeks milling about.

The scene walking into the HP Pavilion prior to the game:

A stray Avs fan:

Dinner prior to the game. Anybody like Indian food as much as me? Chicken curry masala – mmmm. And this was good, trust me.

The EMTs coming onto the plane Sunday morning in LA to attend to a man in medical distress. I hope things turned out OK. He seemed OK when he left.

The scene outside the hotel in Phoenix Sunday morning, about 5:45 a.m.

The security line at the Phoenix airport, about 6:30 a.m. Aren’t these happy looking people?

The rental car bus right before that. An even happier group.

The mountains of Colorado on the drive home. Always a welcome sight.

Thanks for coming along with me.

OK, a little Avalanche medical news:
David Jones probably will start practicing with the team next week. I think it’s still a longshot he plays before the playoffs (if there is a playoffs), but it’s good news nonetheless.
I think Ryan Wilson might play Wednesday night, or be available anyway. Maybe Brandon Yip too.
Stephane Yelle might skate tomorrow, but won’t play Wed.

Avs clinging to a lead over the Flames. Wednesday’s game is HUGE, as is Calgary’s home game with Phoenix. If Avs lose and Calgary wins, Friday night’s game would have a two-point differential going in. You don’t think Calgary’s going to want that one badly and be tough to play against if that’s the case?

I wrote the following column before the Flames beat Washington Sunday. Did I reverse-jinx things regarding the Calgarians? Am I going to get the blame if they make it and the Avs don’t?

Just checked the standings. The Avs had better hope to play Chicago at this point. The Hawks have almost zero goaltending. Since the Avs don't either at this point, they'd be the best match-up. Speed versus speed (at least the forwards). Also, Campbell is out for a long, long time. Doubt he'll be back at all this year. Chicago is the only team I could see the Avs having a chance against in a series. So, we should not want Colorado to go on some kind of silly winning streak. Just keep pace and slip quietly into the # 7 spot. Under no circumstances should the Avalanche try at all for the division title. All that will end up happening there is they'll end up playing Detroit or Los Angeles or Vancouver. Not good. The avs would have no chance against any of those teams.In other words, keep playing Anderson. Let him steal a game, and then suck for a game. Steal a game, suck for a game. If it came right down to it, the Avs should tank a game to get the chance to play Chicago. Yes. Lose on purpose if it means avoiding certain teams. You better believe it.It's still going to be Detroit vs. Washington in the Finals, with Washington winning in seven games. It will be the most epic series in the history of the NHL. 6 of the games will be decided in overtime. Backstrom will be your Conn Smythe winner. Ovechkin will net over 20 goals in the playoffs alone. How's that for a set of predictions?

Greg

Just checked the standings. The Avs had better hope to play Chicago at this point. The Hawks have almost zero goaltending. Since the Avs don't either at this point, they'd be the best match-up. Speed versus speed (at least the forwards). Also, Campbell is out for a long, long time. Doubt he'll be back at all this year. Chicago is the only team I could see the Avs having a chance against in a series. So, we should not want Colorado to go on some kind of silly winning streak. Just keep pace and slip quietly into the # 7 spot. Under no circumstances should the Avalanche try at all for the division title. All that will end up happening there is they'll end up playing Detroit or Los Angeles or Vancouver. Not good. The avs would have no chance against any of those teams.In other words, keep playing Anderson. Let him steal a game, and then suck for a game. Steal a game, suck for a game. If it came right down to it, the Avs should tank a game to get the chance to play Chicago. Yes. Lose on purpose if it means avoiding certain teams. You better believe it.It's still going to be Detroit vs. Washington in the Finals, with Washington winning in seven games. It will be the most epic series in the history of the NHL. 6 of the games will be decided in overtime. Backstrom will be your Conn Smythe winner. Ovechkin will net over 20 goals in the playoffs alone. How's that for a set of predictions?

Greg

Just checked the standings. The Avs had better hope to play Chicago at this point. The Hawks have almost zero goaltending. Since the Avs don't either at this point, they'd be the best match-up. Speed versus speed (at least the forwards). Also, Campbell is out for a long, long time. Doubt he'll be back at all this year. Chicago is the only team I could see the Avs having a chance against in a series. So, we should not want Colorado to go on some kind of silly winning streak. Just keep pace and slip quietly into the # 7 spot. Under no circumstances should the Avalanche try at all for the division title. All that will end up happening there is they'll end up playing Detroit or Los Angeles or Vancouver. Not good. The avs would have no chance against any of those teams.In other words, keep playing Anderson. Let him steal a game, and then suck for a game. Steal a game, suck for a game. If it came right down to it, the Avs should tank a game to get the chance to play Chicago. Yes. Lose on purpose if it means avoiding certain teams. You better believe it.It's still going to be Detroit vs. Washington in the Finals, with Washington winning in seven games. It will be the most epic series in the history of the NHL. 6 of the games will be decided in overtime. Backstrom will be your Conn Smythe winner. Ovechkin will net over 20 goals in the playoffs alone. How's that for a set of predictions?

Greg

Just checked the standings. The Avs had better hope to play Chicago at this point. The Hawks have almost zero goaltending. Since the Avs don't either at this point, they'd be the best match-up. Speed versus speed (at least the forwards). Also, Campbell is out for a long, long time. Doubt he'll be back at all this year. Chicago is the only team I could see the Avs having a chance against in a series. So, we should not want Colorado to go on some kind of silly winning streak. Just keep pace and slip quietly into the # 7 spot. Under no circumstances should the Avalanche try at all for the division title. All that will end up happening there is they'll end up playing Detroit or Los Angeles or Vancouver. Not good. The avs would have no chance against any of those teams.In other words, keep playing Anderson. Let him steal a game, and then suck for a game. Steal a game, suck for a game. If it came right down to it, the Avs should tank a game to get the chance to play Chicago. Yes. Lose on purpose if it means avoiding certain teams. You better believe it.It's still going to be Detroit vs. Washington in the Finals, with Washington winning in seven games. It will be the most epic series in the history of the NHL. 6 of the games will be decided in overtime. Backstrom will be your Conn Smythe winner. Ovechkin will net over 20 goals in the playoffs alone. How's that for a set of predictions?

Greg

Just checked the standings. The Avs had better hope to play Chicago at this point. The Hawks have almost zero goaltending. Since the Avs don't either at this point, they'd be the best match-up. Speed versus speed (at least the forwards). Also, Campbell is out for a long, long time. Doubt he'll be back at all this year. Chicago is the only team I could see the Avs having a chance against in a series. So, we should not want Colorado to go on some kind of silly winning streak. Just keep pace and slip quietly into the # 7 spot. Under no circumstances should the Avalanche try at all for the division title. All that will end up happening there is they'll end up playing Detroit or Los Angeles or Vancouver. Not good. The avs would have no chance against any of those teams.In other words, keep playing Anderson. Let him steal a game, and then suck for a game. Steal a game, suck for a game. If it came right down to it, the Avs should tank a game to get the chance to play Chicago. Yes. Lose on purpose if it means avoiding certain teams. You better believe it.It's still going to be Detroit vs. Washington in the Finals, with Washington winning in seven games. It will be the most epic series in the history of the NHL. 6 of the games will be decided in overtime. Backstrom will be your Conn Smythe winner. Ovechkin will net over 20 goals in the playoffs alone. How's that for a set of predictions?

Greg

Just checked the standings. The Avs had better hope to play Chicago at this point. The Hawks have almost zero goaltending. Since the Avs don't either at this point, they'd be the best match-up. Speed versus speed (at least the forwards). Also, Campbell is out for a long, long time. Doubt he'll be back at all this year. Chicago is the only team I could see the Avs having a chance against in a series. So, we should not want Colorado to go on some kind of silly winning streak. Just keep pace and slip quietly into the # 7 spot. Under no circumstances should the Avalanche try at all for the division title. All that will end up happening there is they'll end up playing Detroit or Los Angeles or Vancouver. Not good. The avs would have no chance against any of those teams.In other words, keep playing Anderson. Let him steal a game, and then suck for a game. Steal a game, suck for a game. If it came right down to it, the Avs should tank a game to get the chance to play Chicago. Yes. Lose on purpose if it means avoiding certain teams. You better believe it.It's still going to be Detroit vs. Washington in the Finals, with Washington winning in seven games. It will be the most epic series in the history of the NHL. 6 of the games will be decided in overtime. Backstrom will be your Conn Smythe winner. Ovechkin will net over 20 goals in the playoffs alone. How's that for a set of predictions?

Greg

Just checked the standings. The Avs had better hope to play Chicago at this point. The Hawks have almost zero goaltending. Since the Avs don't either at this point, they'd be the best match-up. Speed versus speed (at least the forwards). Also, Campbell is out for a long, long time. Doubt he'll be back at all this year. Chicago is the only team I could see the Avs having a chance against in a series. So, we should not want Colorado to go on some kind of silly winning streak. Just keep pace and slip quietly into the # 7 spot. Under no circumstances should the Avalanche try at all for the division title. All that will end up happening there is they'll end up playing Detroit or Los Angeles or Vancouver. Not good. The avs would have no chance against any of those teams.In other words, keep playing Anderson. Let him steal a game, and then suck for a game. Steal a game, suck for a game. If it came right down to it, the Avs should tank a game to get the chance to play Chicago. Yes. Lose on purpose if it means avoiding certain teams. You better believe it.It's still going to be Detroit vs. Washington in the Finals, with Washington winning in seven games. It will be the most epic series in the history of the NHL. 6 of the games will be decided in overtime. Backstrom will be your Conn Smythe winner. Ovechkin will net over 20 goals in the playoffs alone. How's that for a set of predictions?

Greg

Just checked the standings. The Avs had better hope to play Chicago at this point. The Hawks have almost zero goaltending. Since the Avs don't either at this point, they'd be the best match-up. Speed versus speed (at least the forwards). Also, Campbell is out for a long, long time. Doubt he'll be back at all this year. Chicago is the only team I could see the Avs having a chance against in a series. So, we should not want Colorado to go on some kind of silly winning streak. Just keep pace and slip quietly into the # 7 spot. Under no circumstances should the Avalanche try at all for the division title. All that will end up happening there is they'll end up playing Detroit or Los Angeles or Vancouver. Not good. The avs would have no chance against any of those teams.In other words, keep playing Anderson. Let him steal a game, and then suck for a game. Steal a game, suck for a game. If it came right down to it, the Avs should tank a game to get the chance to play Chicago. Yes. Lose on purpose if it means avoiding certain teams. You better believe it.It's still going to be Detroit vs. Washington in the Finals, with Washington winning in seven games. It will be the most epic series in the history of the NHL. 6 of the games will be decided in overtime. Backstrom will be your Conn Smythe winner. Ovechkin will net over 20 goals in the playoffs alone. How's that for a set of predictions?

Greg

Just checked the standings. The Avs had better hope to play Chicago at this point. The Hawks have almost zero goaltending. Since the Avs don't either at this point, they'd be the best match-up. Speed versus speed (at least the forwards). Also, Campbell is out for a long, long time. Doubt he'll be back at all this year. Chicago is the only team I could see the Avs having a chance against in a series. So, we should not want Colorado to go on some kind of silly winning streak. Just keep pace and slip quietly into the # 7 spot. Under no circumstances should the Avalanche try at all for the division title. All that will end up happening there is they'll end up playing Detroit or Los Angeles or Vancouver. Not good. The avs would have no chance against any of those teams.In other words, keep playing Anderson. Let him steal a game, and then suck for a game. Steal a game, suck for a game. If it came right down to it, the Avs should tank a game to get the chance to play Chicago. Yes. Lose on purpose if it means avoiding certain teams. You better believe it.It's still going to be Detroit vs. Washington in the Finals, with Washington winning in seven games. It will be the most epic series in the history of the NHL. 6 of the games will be decided in overtime. Backstrom will be your Conn Smythe winner. Ovechkin will net over 20 goals in the playoffs alone. How's that for a set of predictions?

Greg

Just checked the standings. The Avs had better hope to play Chicago at this point. The Hawks have almost zero goaltending. Since the Avs don't either at this point, they'd be the best match-up. Speed versus speed (at least the forwards). Also, Campbell is out for a long, long time. Doubt he'll be back at all this year. Chicago is the only team I could see the Avs having a chance against in a series. So, we should not want Colorado to go on some kind of silly winning streak. Just keep pace and slip quietly into the # 7 spot. Under no circumstances should the Avalanche try at all for the division title. All that will end up happening there is they'll end up playing Detroit or Los Angeles or Vancouver. Not good. The avs would have no chance against any of those teams.In other words, keep playing Anderson. Let him steal a game, and then suck for a game. Steal a game, suck for a game. If it came right down to it, the Avs should tank a game to get the chance to play Chicago. Yes. Lose on purpose if it means avoiding certain teams. You better believe it.It's still going to be Detroit vs. Washington in the Finals, with Washington winning in seven games. It will be the most epic series in the history of the NHL. 6 of the games will be decided in overtime. Backstrom will be your Conn Smythe winner. Ovechkin will net over 20 goals in the playoffs alone. How's that for a set of predictions?

Greg

Just checked the standings. The Avs had better hope to play Chicago at this point. The Hawks have almost zero goaltending. Since the Avs don't either at this point, they'd be the best match-up. Speed versus speed (at least the forwards). Also, Campbell is out for a long, long time. Doubt he'll be back at all this year. Chicago is the only team I could see the Avs having a chance against in a series. So, we should not want Colorado to go on some kind of silly winning streak. Just keep pace and slip quietly into the # 7 spot. Under no circumstances should the Avalanche try at all for the division title. All that will end up happening there is they'll end up playing Detroit or Los Angeles or Vancouver. Not good. The avs would have no chance against any of those teams.In other words, keep playing Anderson. Let him steal a game, and then suck for a game. Steal a game, suck for a game. If it came right down to it, the Avs should tank a game to get the chance to play Chicago. Yes. Lose on purpose if it means avoiding certain teams. You better believe it.It's still going to be Detroit vs. Washington in the Finals, with Washington winning in seven games. It will be the most epic series in the history of the NHL. 6 of the games will be decided in overtime. Backstrom will be your Conn Smythe winner. Ovechkin will net over 20 goals in the playoffs alone. How's that for a set of predictions?

Greg

Just checked the standings. The Avs had better hope to play Chicago at this point. The Hawks have almost zero goaltending. Since the Avs don't either at this point, they'd be the best match-up. Speed versus speed (at least the forwards). Also, Campbell is out for a long, long time. Doubt he'll be back at all this year. Chicago is the only team I could see the Avs having a chance against in a series. So, we should not want Colorado to go on some kind of silly winning streak. Just keep pace and slip quietly into the # 7 spot. Under no circumstances should the Avalanche try at all for the division title. All that will end up happening there is they'll end up playing Detroit or Los Angeles or Vancouver. Not good. The avs would have no chance against any of those teams.In other words, keep playing Anderson. Let him steal a game, and then suck for a game. Steal a game, suck for a game. If it came right down to it, the Avs should tank a game to get the chance to play Chicago. Yes. Lose on purpose if it means avoiding certain teams. You better believe it.It's still going to be Detroit vs. Washington in the Finals, with Washington winning in seven games. It will be the most epic series in the history of the NHL. 6 of the games will be decided in overtime. Backstrom will be your Conn Smythe winner. Ovechkin will net over 20 goals in the playoffs alone. How's that for a set of predictions?

I'm a 10 year season ticket holder, and I'm just praying that the guys can just hang on. I'm praying, but I have a sick feeling about this week. Did the boys peak far too early? I fear so. Just wish we could have the team from October back for the stretch run. Calgary isn't about to do us any favors now. We had a chance to bury them, and we blinked. I have a bad feeling that we left the door open far too much.

Evan Macgruder

If you get tired of being a journalist I hear Jack in the Box needs more janitors.

Evan Macgruder

The avs aren't going to miss the playoffs folks. It's going to take Calgary winning out for that to even be a possibility. Whatever blog had us 96.8% chance of making it was spot on. A bunch of chicken little's around here.

ard8

Gee, thanks. No reason to watch any more hockey this year. Why watch an “epic” series if you know how it will end?What is it about predictions? The truly great thing about sports, especially a sport like hockey that relies heavily on luck, is the unpredictability of outcomes. Every team at some point is one wicked bounce away from elimination.That said, much of your actual analysis mirrors my opinion. If the Avs make the playoffs, they'd be better off not facing veteran teams like Detroit, Vancouver or San Jose, at least in the first round. Unlike you, I like their chances against teams like LA, Phoenix and maybe Nashville. A series with Chicago would be a lot of fun, but I think the Hawks have too much depth and speed for the Avs' defense. Also, you downgrade Chicago because of goaltending but you're also picking the Caps to win it all. The Caps' biggest question mark? Goaltending.Everyone is rightly concerned about the Avs' recent skid but there are two points that are not being made. First, the Avs' remaining schedule is tough, probably the second toughest schedule next to the Flames'. Second, why isn't anyone noticing the Kings' recent skid? Is it because they're 1 point ahead of the Avs? Hey, they've lost 4 in a row and haven't gained any ground in a week. If Calgary somehow sustains a winning streak, they're just as likely to catch the Kings as the Avs.

19knight21

Hey Adrian , Just caught the pics here. Soooo Awesome, thanks for taking the time there. Seems so nice in Ca. seeing I am in Michigan LOL But hey, it will be 74 here tomorrow yaaaah. I myself, am I curry man beef lamb or chicken (no so much fish with curry anyhow) Too bad you can't fax that dinner over to me. Hope Yip and Wilson come back. Wilson and Stewart do not need to keep throwing their fists around.

Peterman

Coo – I wasn't scoreboard watching. Perhaps the hockey gods will smile on us after all?Excited about this week's remaining games. Kinda nervous actually. It will be a good experience for our young guys, no matter what happens. I believe Duchene will continue to shine, we just need Stastny to show up.My Svatos jersey has been good luck lately. I should try to not forget to wear it tonight.CMON AVS!

Peterman

Coo – I wasn't scoreboard watching. Perhaps the hockey gods will smile on us after all?Excited about this week's remaining games. Kinda nervous actually. It will be a good experience for our young guys, no matter what happens. I believe Duchene will continue to shine, we just need Stastny to show up.My Svatos jersey has been good luck lately. I should try to not forget to wear it tonight.CMON AVS!

Terry Frei graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in the Denver area and has degrees in history and journalism from the University of Colorado-Boulder. He worked for the Rocky Mountain News while attending CU and joined the Post staff after graduation. He has also worked at the Oregonian in Portland, Ore., and The Sporting News. His seventh book, March 1939: Before the Madness, was issued in February 2014.

Chambers covers college and professional hockey for The Denver Post. He has written for the Post since 1994, after dumping his first 9-to-5 office job a couple years out of college. He primarily follows the University of Denver hockey team and helps cover the Avalanche.